How to Help Your New Puppy Sleep Through the Night

A common concern among new puppy owners is: How can I help my new puppy sleep through the night? New puppies can be very nervous and will sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a day! They spend quite a bit of energy growing and experiencing new people and places.

If you’re a new puppy owner: Congratulations! Below are a few tips on how to help your new pup acclimate to everyday life:

1. Don’t disturb your puppy too much: Try to keep your puppy in a quiet and comfortable location during the night. If your family tends to be up late at night, encourage them to be a bit more quiet and careful at night while your puppy is sleeping. It’s important that your puppy is well-rested and gets enough sleep so they have the energy to play during the day. Since your puppy may be more prone to anxiety, try not to leave your puppy alone. Being in the same room as your pup will allow them to feel comfortable and safe while they sleep through the night. 
2. Keep a consistent feeding and walking schedule: Taking care of a pup is a big responsibility and it’s important to keep a consistent eating and walking schedule. Take your pup out on a walk in the morning so that they can go to the bathroom, and again in the afternoon, and once more in the evening. A consistent bathroom break will ensure your pup won’t wake you up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break, or even worse, go to the bathroom in your house! Also, it’s important to discuss with your vet a high-quality diet for your pup and how often to feed them. A well-fed pup is a happy pup and you can be sure that they will sleep well at night. 
3. Find a comfortable place for your pup to sleep: Finding a nice, quiet, dark, and comfortable spot is an important factor in making sure your pup sleeps well. Choose a spot where your pup can sleep peacefully and there’s not too much noise or light. 
4. Schedule playtime with your pup every day: It’s an old saying, but a tired pup is a happy pup. It’s important to socialize your new puppy with other dogs and to give them consistent mental and physical stimulation. Take them outside on nice long walks and allow them to sniff their surroundings. This exposes them to different scents and environments and will give allow them to sleep very peacefully at night. 

Having a new puppy is a major responsibility and by following the tips above, you can help them sleep peacefully during the night. If you’re looking for a safe and trusted place to board your pup, check out Pet Me Scratch Me in the La Crosse area!